Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies among workers in the University Hospital of Guadeloupe: doi: 10.7417/CT.2021.2359

Abstract

Objective
The Covid-19 pandemic is the major global health crisis of our time. The purpose of this study is to estimate the seroprevalence of IgG against SARS-CoV-2 among workers in the University Hospital of Guadeloupe and to assess this seroprevalence in asymptomatic personnel as well as the proportion of asymptomatic agents among seropositive agents.

Setting and methods
We carried out a seroprevalence study in the staff of the University Hospital of Guadeloupe. The presence of IgG anti SARS-CoV-2 was determined by a micro-particulate immunological assay using the chemiluminescence technique (CMIA, Architect i2000SR, Abbott). Data on the previous presence of symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, were identified using a standardized questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed using Epi Info® software.

Results
From 07/05/2020 to 28/10/2020, 892 serologies were performed, 45 of which were positive for SARS-CoV-2 : a prevalence of 5.0% [95% CI: 3.6% – 6.5%]. Seroprevalence was 1.5% [95% CI: 0.6% – 2.3%] among agents who reported being asymptomatic. Among seropositive individuals, 24.4% [95% CI:12% - 36%] was totally asymptomatic.

Conclusion
Our results highlight the importance of continuing seroprevalence studies for SARS-CoV-2 in hospital staff, which can provide important information on the level of exposure in healthcare workers and asymptomatic transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in clinical settings.